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Freedom of conscience is the basis of all other freedoms. No one should be forced to act contrary to their beliefs. This applies to freedom of speech, freedom of press, etc. Nor should anyone be forced to be silent if something violates their conscience. Freedom of religion is, of course, part of freedom of conscience. But a freedom is not the same as a right. Fredom of religion does not extend to human sacrifice, because that would violate the right to life. Of course, conscience can be malformed, such as in the case of the Nazi persecution of Jews or of abortion. Both of these violate the right to life. Fundamentally, a good conscience supports peace, love and service.

Jesus is superhuman, Mary is simply human, all our own. She is exalted not merely because she is the mother of Jesus, but because she was the first and most ardent of his disciples. When she visited her cousin Elizabeth the latter said “Blessed is she who believed that the promises madee to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” After the visit of the Shepherds “Mary treasured all these thing is h
er heart and pondered upon them.” Motherhood itself is not to be denigrated. Without it none of us would be here. During the crucifixion Jesus entrusted his mother to the beloved disciple. This is his way of making her the mother of us all.

Lord, you have given so much to me;
Grant me one thing more,
A thankful heart.

Continue to remind me to give thanks throughout the day for the things I perceive as good. And with your grace I will eventually give thanks even for suffering and for unpleasant events, for they provide opportunities for growth and for making them redemptive by uniting them with the sufferings of Jesus.

Luke 14:25-31. Jesus begins by making the point of this passage “If anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross and follow me.” He then goes on to use hyperbole and parables to illustrate the point that discipleship must come before anything else, possessions, family, even one’s own life. That is what he did himself in service of the mission he had received from

This is all Souls Day, which is celebrated in Mexico as the Day of the Dead. People visit graves of loved ones and care for them. This is a good custom. Most of us have moved away from our hometown. Fortunately I have a sister who lives in ours and will visit graves. Many religions, even Buddhim,
, have the custom of praying for the dead or even to them.

It is common for agnostics and atheists to claim that religion just comforts believers. Often it means leaving one’s comfort zone. Personally, I left the comfort zone of a secure job to enter graduate school with the goal of using my knowledge of computers in God’s service. In practice this means in the service of our neighbors. Misioanaries leave the comfort of home for often dangerous work among people who are not exactly friendly.